no-gi troubleshooting progression

how to connect guard positions to leg attacks and back takes in no-gi grappling

Flow outline

  1. No-Gi System

    • From here, starting point for no-gi grappling. choose your guard position based on opponent's posture and distance. don’t force it

  2. DLR

    • Key detail: often de la riva guard. if they stand or pressure forward, use to control distance and attack legs. don’t force it

  3. Closed Guard

    • Usually Full guard control. If they posture up, break them down. If they stay tight, work 2-on-1 grips to set up attacks

  4. Reverse DLR

    • From here, Reverse De La Riva. If they pressure into you, use to create angles for back takes or leg entries

  5. Z Guard

    • Usually Knee shield half guard. If they try to pass, use to create space and transition to butterfly or leg attacks

  6. Butterfly Guard

    • Once set, most of the time hooks in position. if they sit heavy, elevate to slx. if they post, underhook to saddle entries

  7. K Guard

    • leg entanglement position. if they defend inside, switch to outside position. if they defend outside, work inside position to x guard

  8. Backside 50/50 Heel Hook

    • Key detail: often leg lock finishing position. if they defend by turning away, secure the heel hook from backside control

  9. Knee Break Down Back Take

    • Back control position. If you break their posture from DLR, take the back and secure hooks. Don’t force it

  10. Troubleshooting

    • If it shows up, Problem-solving position. If they defend your K Guard attacks, troubleshoot their reactions and adjust

  11. Back Take

    • Most of the time Back control. If you secure the position from 2-on-1, keep hooks and work for submissions

  12. Armbar

    • Once set, quick note: submission finish. if you isolate the arm from 2-on-1, break their grip and extend for the tap

  13. Pendulum Sweep

    • Sweep to mount. If they base out from 2-on-1, use pendulum motion to sweep to top position

  14. Kneebar

    • Leg lock finish. If you secure the leg position, extend the knee for the submission. Don’t force it

  15. X Guard

    • Elevation position. If you secure inside position from K Guard, switch to X Guard for sweeps or transitions

Branch conditions